Cast of Death Note

In the gripping film "Death Note," viewers are introduced to a young man named Light Turner, portrayed by Nat Wolff. Light discovers a mysterious and powerful notebook known as the Death Note, which possesses the chilling ability to eliminate any individual simply by inscribing their name within its pages. This darkly alluring power offers Light a unique tool to confront the world’s injustices. With a righteous yet twisted ambition to rid society of its most heinous criminals, he embarks on a quest to reshape the world according to his own ideals. However, this newfound authority also brings along an overwhelming burden and moral dilemmas as he grapples with the implications of his actions.

As Light embarks on his vigilante crusade, the story thickens with the introduction of an enigmatic and brilliant detective known only as L, brought to life by LaKeith Stanfield. L is tasked with the daunting challenge of tracking down the mysterious killer, who leaves a trail of dead criminals in his wake. The cat-and-mouse game between Light and L injects tension and suspense into the narrative, as both characters display incredible intellect and cunning. L's investigative prowess seeks to uncover the identity behind the chilling persona of Kira, the name under which Light operates, leading the audience into a thrilling psychological battle.

The film explores complex themes of justice, power, and morality, forcing viewers to ponder the fine line between right and wrong. As Light becomes increasingly consumed by his quest for retribution, he begins to lose sight of his humanity, creating a dynamic character arc that highlights the darker aspects of his personality. Meanwhile, the constant tension created by L's formidable presence amplifies the stakes, making it clear that while Light believes he is the hero of this story, he is also teetering on the brink of becoming the very villain he seeks to destroy.

Full Cast of Death Note

Nat Wolff

Light Turner

Nat Wolff delivered a compelling performance as Light Turner in the 2017 film adaptation of the popular Japanese manga "Death Note." As the protagonist who stumbles upon a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes within its pages, Wolff adeptly captured the complex duality of Light's character—a brilliant, yet morally conflicted high school student. He convincingly portrayed Light's transformation from a conscientious student to a vigilante, grappling with the intoxicating power of life and death. Wolff's performance was highlighted by his ability to convey the intensity and psychological turmoil that comes with wielding such a terrifying instrument of justice, as well as the arrogance and cunning that emerges as Light becomes increasingly emboldened by his god-like abilities. His interactions with the enigmatic death god Ryuk, played by Willem Dafoe, added depth to his character, showcasing a nuanced portrayal of a young man seduced by power and the moral quandaries that accompany it. Wolff's depiction of Light Turner was a standout feature of the film, providing a modern twist to the beloved character that resonated with both fans of the source material and newcomers to the "Death Note" universe.

LaKeith Stanfield

LaKeith Stanfield's portrayal of L in Adam Wingard's 2017 adaptation of "Death Note" brings a unique and intense energy to the iconic character, originally from Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata's manga series. Stanfield delivers a performance that is both cerebral and emotionally nuanced, capturing L's brilliant detective skills and his enigmatic persona. His L is a master of deduction, often seen several steps ahead of his contemporaries, and Stanfield conveys this genius with a quiet, simmering intensity. He embodies the character's quirks—such as his love for sweets and his unorthodox investigative methods—while also bringing depth to L's moral ambiguities and his obsessive drive to catch the vigilante killer Kira. Stanfield's performance is marked by a deliberate stillness, which starkly contrasts with the chaos unfolding around him, and his piercing gaze becomes a window into L's relentless pursuit of justice. His interpretation of L stands out as a highlight of the film, offering a fresh take on the beloved character that both honors the source material and adds a new layer to the "Death Note" mythos.

Margaret Qualley

Mia Sutton

Margaret Qualley delivered a compelling performance as Mia Sutton in the 2017 film adaptation of the popular Japanese manga series "Death Note." As the enigmatic and ambitious Mia, Qualley brings a dark charisma to the screen, portraying a character who is both alluring and dangerously unpredictable. Mia's fascination with the supernatural Death Note, a notebook that allows its holder to kill anyone whose name is written within its pages, is palpable through Qualley's nuanced portrayal, showcasing her character's complex blend of excitement, ruthlessness, and underlying vulnerability. Her on-screen chemistry with co-star Nat Wolff, who plays Light Turner, the owner of the Death Note, is electric, as their characters engage in a tumultuous partnership that spirals into a thrilling and morally ambiguous journey. Qualley's performance is a standout, as she skillfully navigates the intricate web of Mia's emotions, motives, and the intoxicating power that the Death Note bestows upon her, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Shea Whigham

James Turner

Shea Whigham delivers a performance of intense gravitas as James Turner in the American adaptation of "Death Note." As the dedicated and astute father of the film's protagonist, Light Turner, Whigham embodies a character driven by a steadfast moral compass and an unwavering commitment to justice. His portrayal of a seasoned police officer, grappling with the complexities of a series of supernatural murders, brings a grounded and human element to the film's fantastical premise. Whigham's Turner is a man torn between his duty to uphold the law and his role as a protective father, a duality that Whigham navigates with subtlety and emotional depth. His interactions with Light, played by Nat Wolff, are fraught with tension and a deep-seated concern that underscores the film's exploration of ethical boundaries and the corrupting influence of power. Shea Whigham's understated yet commanding presence serves as the film's emotional anchor, making James Turner a memorable character in the thrilling cat-and-mouse game that unfolds.

Willem Dafoe

Ryuk (voice)

Willem Dafoe delivered a captivating vocal performance as Ryuk in the 2017 film adaptation of "Death Note," based on the popular Japanese manga series. His voice exudes a chilling charisma and a devilish glee that perfectly encapsulates the character of Ryuk, a Shinigami (death god) who drops a supernatural notebook capable of killing anyone whose name is written within its pages into the human world out of sheer boredom. Dafoe's interpretation of Ryuk is both playful and menacing, as he brings depth to the character's otherworldly presence, often fluctuating between amusement and indifference towards the chaos that unfolds as a result of his actions. His distinctive voice, with its deep, gravelly timbre, infuses Ryuk with an unsettling charm, making the character one of the most memorable aspects of the film. Dafoe's portrayal is a testament to his versatility and his ability to convey complex emotions through voice acting alone, ensuring that Ryuk remains an enigmatic and compelling figure throughout the movie.

Jason Liles

Ryuk

Jason Liles's portrayal of Ryuk in Adam Wingard's 2017 adaptation of "Death Note" is a captivating blend of macabre charm and eerie detachment. Liles imbues the iconic Shinigami with a palpable sense of otherworldly menace, utilizing his impressive physicality and motion capture expertise to bring the character to life. His Ryuk is both a harbinger of death and a mischievous observer, gleefully idiosyncratic, with a grin that cuts through the darkness of the film's moral quandaries. Liles's performance is not merely a faithful translation of Ryuk from the pages of the beloved manga; he adds depth to the character, balancing between an ancient entity's profound indifference and the playful enjoyment of a being who thrives on the chaos of human choice. His vocal work complements the visual spectacle, as his gravelly voice resonates with a mirthful malevolence that embodies the character's complex nature. Liles's Ryuk becomes the unsettling heart of the film, a reminder of the intoxicating power and corruption inherent in the wielding of the Death Note.